Our local Christian radio station is doing a little contest to get to the all time favorite Christmas movie. They are in the final rounds before Christmas so they are really putting the greats against each other. Today, it was "It's a Wonderful Life" vs. "Elf". I did not vote. Inspiring and classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" would likely be my final decision, but "Elf" is so sweet and quotable.
This passage is quoted in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" from 1965. It is one of my favorite moments from a Christmas movie. It is when Linus, who is so fearful of everything he carries around a security blanket... throws it down to quote from the Gospel of Luke:
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord"-Luke 2:8-11
Linus's big moment of declaring the real meaning of Christmas was nearly cut from the movie. CBS wanted it on the editing room floor. Charles Schultz reportedly stormed out of a meeting simply furious. In the end, he wouldn't budge. CBS conceded. It was the 2nd most popular broadcast that week. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" made its way into the annual lineup where it remained until 2020, when Apple bought all rights to the Charlie Brown film franchise.
Here is Linus sharing the true meaning of Christmas:
It is truly a priceless moment. Fear is gone and knowledge of the Truth brings courage and clarity. There is much to be learned from our little friend, Linus.
In the chaos of the season and the promise of blizzard conditions on the way, it is good to pause and refocus on the babe in the manger, the Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Today, I am grateful for Linus's big moment.
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